Measures to Improve Water Storage and Irrigation Systems

1. Enhancing Water Storage Capacity

• Construction of Check Dams and Recharge Pits:
  • Implementation: Build small check dams and recharge pits in rural areas to capture and store rainwater, enhancing groundwater recharge. Example: The “Jal Jeevan Mission” promotes rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge across India.
• Revitalization of Traditional Water Bodies:
  • Implementation: Restore traditional water bodies like ponds, tanks, and stepwells to increase surface water storage. Example: The “Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)” has been used to rejuvenate water bodies.
• Rainwater Harvesting Systems:
  • Implementation: Promote rooftop rainwater harvesting in urban and rural areas to supplement water supplies. Example: The “Jal Shakti Abhiyan” includes provisions for rainwater harvesting and water conservation practices.

2. Improving Irrigation Efficiency

• Adoption of Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation:
  • Implementation: Implement drip and sprinkler irrigation systems to minimize water wastage and improve water use efficiency. Example: The “Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)” provides financial assistance for drip and sprinkler systems.
• Precision Agriculture Techniques:
  • Implementation: Utilize precision agriculture techniques like soil moisture sensors and automated irrigation systems to optimize water use. Example: Projects in Maharashtra have demonstrated the benefits of using soil moisture sensors to control irrigation.
• Improving Canal and Pipeline Infrastructure:
  • Implementation: Upgrade and repair existing canal and pipeline infrastructure to reduce water losses due to leaks and inefficient distribution. Example: The “Namami Gange” program includes modernizing canal systems along the Ganges River.

3. Promoting Water-Efficient Crops and Practices

• Crop Diversification:
  • Implementation: Encourage farmers to grow drought-resistant and water-efficient crops like millets and pulses. Example: The “National Food Security Mission” supports the cultivation of pulses and other drought-resistant crops.
• Soil Moisture Management:
  • Implementation: Use techniques such as mulching and conservation tillage to retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation. Example: The “Zero Budget Natural Farming” approach promotes soil conservation and moisture retention.

4. Institutional and Policy Measures

• Water Pricing and Management Policies:
  • Implementation: Implement policies for efficient water pricing to encourage conservation and reduce wastage. Example: The “Water Resources Management Act” aims to improve water allocation and management practices.
• Community Participation and Awareness:
  • Implementation: Foster community involvement in water management through awareness programs and local water user associations. Example: Community-led initiatives in Andhra Pradesh have successfully managed water resources through local governance.

By implementing these measures, India can improve water storage and irrigation efficiency, ensuring the judicious use of water resources in the face of depleting water supplies.